The Forgotten Creators: The Forge Falcons Departure from Halo Infinite and the Need for Community Support

In a recent development that has left the gaming community in shock, one of the most celebrated Forge creation teams in Halo Infinite, The Forge Falcons, has announced their departure from the game due to a "lack of support" from developer Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries). The Forge Falcons are renowned for their innovative experiences in Halo Infinite's Forge mode, which has become a staple of the game's live-service model since its introduction in late 2022. Forge mode was first introduced in 2007's Halo 3 and has since evolved into a powerful and expansive mapmaker that allows players to design custom maps and game modes. In recent times, as Halo Studios slowed down on the development of new multiplayer maps for Halo Infinite, Forge and community creators have stepped up to provide fresh content for players. The Forge Falcons, in particular, have been instrumental in this effort, developing popular modes like the Inheritor battle royale, Survive the Undead inspired by Call of Duty: Zombies, and the Helljumpers mode emulating Helldivers 2's co-op chaos. However, despite their high-profile contributions, The Forge Falcons recently revealed that they received little to no acknowledgment or support from Halo Studios. In a lengthy statement posted on Twitter, the team described their relationship with the developer as "one-sided," citing lack of creative input, minimal assistance, and no compensation, even as their work was heavily promoted by Xbox and included in Halo Infinite's seasonal updates. The Forge Falcons stressed that they never expected any financial compensation but being used for marketing purposes without even a "sincere thank you" left a sour taste. Other prominent Forge creators have also reportedly left for similar reasons. While Halo Studios does credit Forgers in trailers and blog posts, The Forge Falcons argue that this falls far short of meaningful collaboration. They have now decided to pivot towards building in Unreal Engine for live-service juggernaut Fortnite, as Epic Games offers a more structured and rewarding system for creators via its Island Creator Program. The community has expressed support for The Forge Falcons, demanding adequate acknowledgment and compensation for those who keep the game chugging along as the developer focuses on its next project - heavily rumored to be a Halo: Combat Evolved remake. In conclusion, The Forge Falcons' departure from Halo Infinite highlights the importance of recognizing and supporting the efforts of community creators who contribute significantly to the success of a game. As the game industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for developers to foster meaningful relationships with their communities and provide opportunities for creators to thrive.